MINOBU, Japan — Sightseers look at illuminated houses in Minobu, Yamanashi Prefecture, central Japan, on Dec. 10, 2011. Residents of two houses in the mountainous town started the illuminations in December 2000 to entertain their grandchildren. The custom, which is observed every December, has spread to 38 houses, drawing visitors from as far away as Tokyo. (Kyodo)